Which stucco finish is best?

• <div><p>The best stucco finish depends on your aesthetic goals and personal preferences. A fine cement-based finish is a crowd favorite because it’s easy to clean and resembles a painted home. Lace finish is another popular one that can conceal imperfections thanks to its detailed lace pattern.</p></div>

Get matched with top stucco pros in Martinsburg, PA

Q: Is stucco hard to DIY?

• <div><p>Stucco is very challenging to DIY, so it&rsquo;s always best to leave the work to professional stucco contractors. The same recommendation applies to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/cost-to-paint-stucco-house.htm">painting a stucco house</a>, which should be left in the reliable hands of a professional exterior painter. Inexperienced DIYers can make several critical mistakes during stucco application, such as:</p><ul><li><p>Failing to apply sufficiently thick layers for longevity and water resistance</p></li><li><p>Uneven application</p></li><li><p>Uneven texture across the exterior</p></li><li><p>Mixing the stucco improperly, leaving a weak structure</p></li><li><p>Failing to texture properly in between coats, leading to cracking and chipping</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Q: How do I maintain stucco?

• <div><p>Inspect annually for cracks, clean with a mild detergent, and reseal or repaint as needed to preserve appearance.</p></div>

Q: What size drill bit should I use for stucco?

• <div><p>You can use small bits that are up to 3/8 inch in diameter, or larger bits that are 1/2 inch or more in diameter. Make sure the bits you use are coated with carbide or diamond; this information is usually visible on the package. You can also use hole saw bits to drill into stucco.</p></div>

Q: Is stucco considered siding or cladding?

• <div><p>Stucco is considered a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/cladding-types.htm">type of cladding</a> because it includes a built-in ventilation layer, a weatherproof membrane beneath that, and, often, a layer of insulation to improve building efficiency. The multiple layers of stucco&mdash;the scratch coat, the brown coat, and the finish coat&mdash;also create a more complex building membrane, so it&rsquo;s more accurate to call it cladding. However, homeowners and contractors alike refer to stucco as siding.</p></div>

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Find Stucco pros in Martinsburg

Home Genius Exteriors

Home Genius Exteriors

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 90% of Angi customers

102 local quotes requested

Elevate your home with Home Genius Exteriors, setting the standard in Altoona by offering full-service solutions for roofing, siding, windows, doors, gutters and insulation. We support our veterans and communities by supporting local and national charitable organizations through our Home Genius Cares initiative. With an Owens Corning® Platinum Preferred designation, we also offer flexible payment options, industry leading warranties and a wide range of premium products tailored for your home. It’s time for a different experience, entrust your next home project to a genius and schedule your free inspection today!

"Very satisfied with the project. Was completed in the time agreed upon and the site foreman was courteous and professional "

Bill C on October 2025

"Very satisfied with the project. Was completed in the time agreed upon and the site foreman was courteous and professional "

Bill C on October 2025

Home Genius Exteriors

Home Genius Exteriors

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 95% of Angi customers

20 years of experience

Elevate your home with Home Genius Exteriors, setting the standard in Altoona by offering full-service solutions for roofing, siding, windows, doors, gutters and insulation. We support our veterans and communities by supporting local and national charitable organizations through our Home Genius Cares initiative. With an Owens Corning® Platinum Preferred designation, we also offer flexible payment options, industry leading warranties and a wide range of premium products tailored for your home. It is time for a different experience, entrust your next home project to a genius and schedule your free inspection today!

"Professional job reasonable price"

Barbra C on January 2025

Elevate your home with Home Genius Exteriors, setting the standard in Altoona by offering full-service solutions for roofing, siding, windows, doors, gutters and insulation. We support our veterans and communities by supporting local and national charitable organizations through our Home Genius Cares initiative. With an Owens Corning® Platinum Preferred designation, we also offer flexible payment options, industry leading warranties and a wide range of premium products tailored for your home. It is time for a different experience, entrust your next home project to a genius and schedule your free inspection today!

"Professional job reasonable price"

Barbra C on January 2025

Home Genius Exteriors

4099 William Penn Highway

Home Genius Exteriors

4099 William Penn Highway

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 97% of Angi customers

129 local quotes requested

Elevate your home with Home Genius Exteriors, setting the standard in Altoona by offering full-service solutions for roofing, siding, windows, doors, gutters and insulation. We support our veterans and communities by supporting local and national charitable organizations through our Home Genius Cares initiative. With an Owens Corning® Platinum Preferred designation, we also offer flexible payment options, industry leading warranties and a wide range of premium products tailored for your home. It is time for a different experience, entrust your next home project to a genius and schedule your free inspection today!

"Great work!"

Mike D on October 2024

Elevate your home with Home Genius Exteriors, setting the standard in Altoona by offering full-service solutions for roofing, siding, windows, doors, gutters and insulation. We support our veterans and communities by supporting local and national charitable organizations through our Home Genius Cares initiative. With an Owens Corning® Platinum Preferred designation, we also offer flexible payment options, industry leading warranties and a wide range of premium products tailored for your home. It is time for a different experience, entrust your next home project to a genius and schedule your free inspection today!

"Great work!"

Mike D on October 2024

Planet Roof

Planet Roof

Customers say: Quick response

816 local quotes requested

17 years of experience

Planet Roof is the best choice for all of your roofing needs. With over 15 years experience, we can do it all. We take pride in our customer satisfaction, and getting the job done right, the first time! Call us today! We look forward in working with you for years to come.

"Very professional knew what he was talking about.Answered all questions."

Judy W on August 2025

"Very professional knew what he was talking about.Answered all questions."

Judy W on August 2025

Creek Run Contracting Solutions

1138 Karns Lane

No reviews yet

Creek Run Contracting Solutions

1138 Karns Lane

No reviews yet

3 years of experience

Plaster,Drywall ,Stucco repair Painting Caulking Small Home Repair and more

Raker Builders Co

Post Office Box 137

No reviews yet

Raker Builders Co

Post Office Box 137

No reviews yet

30 years of experience

Full Service Contractor

Fanning Construction

187 S. Church St

No reviews yet

Fanning Construction

187 S. Church St

No reviews yet

8 years of experience

Here at Fanning Construction we strive to satisfy all of our customers needs in a timely and professional manner. We offer unbeatable prices and exceptional work. All calls are returned promptly. No job to big or small, feel free to call. Free Estimates. Fully Licensed and Insured. PA 129796

Dan Cordell Construction

726 Walnut Bottom Rd.

No reviews yet

Dan Cordell Construction

726 Walnut Bottom Rd.

No reviews yet

22 years of experience

We Dan Cordell Construction Believe that the customer is right . We like happy home owners at the end of every job . If you have Unhappy customers That is bad for your company

Mason's Mark Stone Veneer

106 Sewickly St

4.75(

)

Mason's Mark Stone Veneer

106 Sewickly St

4.75(

)

Customers say: Quick response

12 years of experience

Mason's Mark Stone Veneer is a local full-service manufacturer and installer of high quality, realistic cast stone veneer used in the construction and landscaping industry. Nationwide Product Sales and Delivery (Shipping Quotes Available). Our mission is to provide the most realistic and highest quality stone veneer for the absolute best price in the industry! We take great pride in our craftsmanship and we hope that it shows in every stone. Our small family owned and operated business seeks to satisfy our customers with a beautiful finished product that will last for decades!

Aortega General Contracting

P.O. Box 192

No reviews yet

Aortega General Contracting

P.O. Box 192

No reviews yet

18 years of experience

We maintain a minimum staffing of 12 employees and are insured up to 2 million dollars. To date we have never had a claim placed against us for faulty work.

Showing 1-10 of 25

Stucco questions, answered by experts

Stucco is very challenging to DIY, so it’s always best to leave the work to professional stucco contractors. The same recommendation applies to painting a stucco house, which should be left in the reliable hands of a professional exterior painter. Inexperienced DIYers can make several critical mistakes during stucco application, such as:

Failing to apply sufficiently thick layers for longevity and water resistance
Uneven application
Uneven texture across the exterior
Mixing the stucco improperly, leaving a weak structure
Failing to texture properly in between coats, leading to cracking and chipping

Inspect annually for cracks, clean with a mild detergent, and reseal or repaint as needed to preserve appearance.

The best stucco finish depends on your aesthetic goals and personal preferences. A fine cement-based finish is a crowd favorite because it’s easy to clean and resembles a painted home. Lace finish is another popular one that can conceal imperfections thanks to its detailed lace pattern.

You can use small bits that are up to 3/8 inch in diameter, or larger bits that are 1/2 inch or more in diameter. Make sure the bits you use are coated with carbide or diamond; this information is usually visible on the package. You can also use hole saw bits to drill into stucco.

Stucco is considered a type of cladding because it includes a built-in ventilation layer, a weatherproof membrane beneath that, and, often, a layer of insulation to improve building efficiency. The multiple layers of stucco—the scratch coat, the brown coat, and the finish coat—also create a more complex building membrane, so it’s more accurate to call it cladding. However, homeowners and contractors alike refer to stucco as siding.

The Martinsburg, PA homeowners’ guide to stucco services

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